A Feather as an X-Ray Lens
The outline of the bones in the hand may be seen by holding it before a strong light and looking through a lens made of a piece cut from the tip of a feather. The sketch shows such a lens, which is mounted in a small piece of cardboard that may be carried in the pocket, and which affords diversion wherever exhibited.
The device is made as follows: Procure a soft white feather from a fowl, and cut off the tip as indicated in the upper sketch. Cut a piece of cardboard, about 2 in. wide and 6 in. long. Fold it to form a folder, 3 in. long, and cut a hole, ¹⁄₄ in. in diameter, through both parts of it. Glue the tip of the feather between the folder at the hole, taking care that the fibers lie flat and that no rib is exposed. Glue the edges of the folder, and the device is ready for use. Hold the hand, or other object, to be examined about 15 in. from the lens, and place the latter close to the eye. Looking through the hole toward an electric, or other strong, light, it will be observed that the bones of the hand, for example, may be seen clearly. They will be outlined with a band of varicolored light. A frosted globe is better than one which exposes a filament.—Leander L. Droesch, Chickasaw, Ohio.
¶A safety-razor blade, fitted into a wooden handle, provides a convenient tool for ripping seams and cutting cardboard.